“I met my best friend through Women Who Hike…” were some of the first words I heard upon arrival at our two Colorado group hikes in celebration of Women’s Month. It had been nearly three years since we hosted events in what is our largest chapter at Women Who Hike, reaching nearly 50K in the Rocky Mountain state.
I (Nicole Brown) started Women Who Hike in 2015, while living in Southern California. I had been a transplant here for nearly a decade now, and never found a group of friends who valued getting outside. All my hiking was solo, and for a long time I subscribed to the belief that there wasn’t people like me where I lived.
I was wrong. Early in its inception, there was an overwhelming demand for group events. A place and time where women who hike could get together, share the trail, and maybe go home with the phone number of their new hiking partner.
We started hosting events, and subsequently in 2016 our Facebook groups, where at any given time you can find fellow women who hike, as well as where to hike near you, trail conditions, advice on gear, shared safety measures, and events posted by members.
Find a Facebook group near you, here.
In addition to our Facebook groups and growing list of events in 2023, here are some other ways to find women who hike near you.
Leave No Trace Events – We’ve been a community partner of Leave No Trace since 2017. In addition to their training and workshops, there are also events hosted by state advocates and ‘Hot Spot’ events. The Hot Spot Program was created to address the severe impacts often associated with heavy use. If you’re looking to get involved with stewardship efforts, check out our volunteer opportunities and events in your community. Learn more here.
REI Classes – Via your local REI, you can sign up for and learn backcountry navigation, Wilderness first aid, as well as outdoor experiences including hiking basics, essential backpacking skills, and painting in the wild. Not only will you learn the skills needed to stay safe and prepared while in the great outdoors, you’ll also get to mix and mingle with both men and women who have similar interests. List of scheduled events, here.
National Trails Day Events – National Trails Day, traditionally the first Saturday in June, provides the perfect opportunity to set off on a local trail with others in your community. Join the this year’s movement to give back to trails and build a world where everyone feels welcome and has access to enjoy the great outdoors. Host or find an event here.
Merrell Hiking Club – We are so excited to be a part of Merrell Hiking Club for 2023! We started working with Merrell in 2016. Since then, Merrell has revolutionized their women’s
lineup by recognizing and meeting the needs of women hikers. Merrell Hiking Club is a women-centric hiking club to provide inspiration and connection to the outdoors through a digital community.
Merrell Hiking Club was created to provide inspiration and connection to the outdoors. Explore urban, suburban, and adventure hikes curated by Trailblazers and communities, like Women Who Hike and Unlikely Hikers. Learn more here.
